By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(San Andres Gym)
7 p.m. – Pasay vs Navotas
9 p.m. – Manila vs Bataan
With former pro Reed Juntilla doing what he does best, newcomer Zamboanga City silenced host Laguna, 86-80, on Thursday night for an impressive start in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Datu Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The 6-foot-2 Juntilla proved he still has enough juice left on his 33-year-old tank, finishing with a game-high 30 points on top of six rebounds and five assists while helping the Valientes overcome a sluggish start against the fast-starting Heroes.
Former Kia stalwart Jonathan Parreno added 18 points while JV Orera tallied 13 points and five rebounds off the bench for Zamboanga City, which trailed by as many as 11 points but outplayed Laguna down the stretch.
Earlier, pre-season champion Davao Occidental leaned on its veterans to beat retooled Imus, 75-71, and set its own title bid in motion.
Former Rain or Shine practice player Billy Ray Robles collected 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and as many blocks while ex-pros Mark Yee and Leo Najorda combined for 25 points in a triumphant effort for the Tigers.
Jeffrey Tajonera scored 13 points while Jerwin Gaco and James Castro combined for 21 points that all went for naught as the Bandera came up short in a tight finish, no thanks to the top Tigers veterans, like Robles and Najorda, who made crucial plays.
Juntilla, who last suited up for GlobalPort in 2013, took charge on the offensive end, the last a dagger of a jumper that restored the Valientes’ lead back to eight at 84-76 with 66 seconds remaining.
